Our Friends Place thrives under Banks’ Leadership

By Rita Cook
Correspondent
Texas Metro News

DALLAS– Innovative programming, along with community support and committed staffers, volunteers, and leadership provides the formula that helps ensure that Our Friends Place (OFP), a North Texas organization supporting area young women who are dealing with abuse, neglect, poverty, and homelessness, remains successful.

And that’s just what CEO Helena L. Banks pledged when she took the helm in September 2024.

Opened in 1987 by Susybelle Gosslee, OFP has over the years offered support, life skills, and a home for women – allowing them to achieve goals toward a better future. 

OFP also has a Transitional Living Center (TLC) program that provides homes and a community for single women, 18-to-24. The first TLC opened in 1992, and the second center opened in late 2015.

To that end each year, they serve about 40 young women at two apartment-style TLCs located in Old East Dallas. 

The young women in the OFP transitional living centers stay on average 219 days. 

“During their time with us they attend weekly life skills lessons and receive intensive case management from staff who live on site,” said Banks. “Participants in our SOAR to Success non-residential prevention and education program spend time with their site coordinators each week during the school year.”

For decades, OFP has helped thousands of Dallas women, girls and adults build self-sufficient and independent lives through their two transitional living centers and non-residential prevention and education programs.

A self-described creative do-gooder, dance teacher and foodie, Banks took on her role eager to make a difference in the lives of those who need someone to care. She admits it has been an exciting journey, especially coming off her first big Gala, Auction and Casino Night fundraiser, in November.

When the CEO position came open, it was a friend and current board member who suggested that she take the job.

“I started as an interested observer, became a dedicated volunteer, and finally served as a board member for four years,” Banks explained. “Over that time, I was consistently inspired by the staff’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life for our clients and the lives they touch. Now, I’m honored to join as a member of the staff, eager to build upon the strong foundation and rich history of accomplishments.

Coming from a career that included major gift coordinator for KERA, leading development efforts at Planned Parenthood of North Texas, SPCA of Texas, the American Heart Association and Dallas College, prior to joining OFP, Banks was most recently, Director of Development and External Affairs for Bonton Farms, a grassroots organic farm, market, and cafe operating in the community where she was born and raised. 

A born leader, she received her BA Degree in Political Science from Sam Houston State University where she was also president of the Student Government Association. 

“Every day I am inspired by the tenacity and resourcefulness of the young women in our program,” Banks said. “Most recently we’ve had a program graduate who demonstrated exceptional financial responsibility. 

“As a part of our program, young women are required to contribute monthly to their savings accounts and this young lady worked diligently to save above and beyond the required amount.”

Banks continued, “After successfully completing our program, not only was she able to move into her first apartment but she started her life of independence with a dedicated emergency fund. She was empowered with a plan and the resources to safeguard her future financial stability.”

As for new programs Banks plans to include, she said, “I walk humbly into this role, ready to ensure the long-term sustainability and expansion of our vital programs and services. I am prioritizing innovations in fundraising, expanding our public outreach, and strengthening our organizational infrastructure ultimately serving more young women and strengthening our Dallas communities.”

She added that she encourages any Dallas/Fort Worth community members who are passionate about youth homelessness to consider supporting OFP with their time, talent, or treasures. 

Goslee expressed confidence in the future of OFP with Banks at the helm, “I have full faith in Helena and her ability to collaborate with young women and guide them toward effective solutions for their lives. I know this is going to be a great success.” 

Rita Cook is a world traveler and writer/editor who specializes in writing on travel, auto, crime and politics. A correspondent for Texas Metro News, she has published 11 books and has also produced low-budget films.